Report by Colin Rogers

There was a good midweek attendance of around 200 to see Harwich create their first scoring chance in the 10th minute when Greg Rodger's free kick was narrowly headed past the post by Louie Bloom.
Halstead came back and there was a close call for the Shrimpers when a cross struck defender Dan Keeble and hit the post.
Harwich were up for the challenge, mounting further attacks, with Alfie Canning crossing for Charlie Canham to go close with a header and then another Rodger free kick, over the defensive wall, went just inches wide.
Harwich took the lead in the 37th minute with a spectacular 30-yard thunderbolt from Bloom (pictured) that looped over the goalkeeper's head.
Halstead were soon back on level terms when Harwich conceded a penalty and although goalkeeper Brad Cook got a hand to the ball, Joel Older's spot kick proved too powerful.
The second half continued to provide a good night's football for the appreciative supporters and there was little to choose between the teams.

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Halstead did press hard but the Harwich defence was strong, with goalkeeper Cook outstanding. The Shrimpers keeper made a block with his feet when Billie Jamieson was through and also had the crowd applauding a fantastic save when he dived across the goal.
Harwich also had their moments, with new signing Theo Clayson, who has already had experience in 90 matches at this level elsewhere and represented Birmingham University, breaking through, then seeing his shot well saved by Town's keeper at the expense of a corner.
In the 75th minute, Harwich scored what was to prove the winning goal. Reece Harte's corner kick was headed on by Canham and Clayson made his debut extra special by guiding the ball into the net.
In the closing minutes there was controversy when Bloom was sent off, after the referee consulted his assistant, and Halstead also had a player dismissed for an incident a few moments earlier when the referee had played on.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Dan Keeble, Charlie Canham, Reece Harte, Ted Johnson, Tyler Sullivan, James Letts, Alfie Canning, Greg Rodger and Louie Bloom. Used substitutes: Luke Mayhew, Theo Clayson, Alfie Eldridge and Gareth Heath.